Press Release
Media Contact: Kaitlin Harris
Hayworth Public Relations
(561) 948-0668 / [email protected]
January 30, 2017 10:00 a.m.
Northeast Florida’s Fernandina Beach, located on Amelia Island, was named one of “America’s Happiest Seaside Towns” by readers of Coastal Living magazine, finishing in the #4 spot. Rounding out the Top 10 list are destinations such as Hilton Head, South Carolina; Cape May, New Jersey; Camden, Maine; Carmel-by-the-Sea, California; and Sarasota, the only other Florida town to make the list in the magazines’ sixth annual competition.
“Year after year, Fernandina Beach’s storied past, historic downtown, quiet beaches and quaint, coastal culture continue to charm visitors,” said Gil Langley, president and CEO of the Amelia Island Convention and Visitors Bureau. “We’re delighted that readers of this top magazine have recognized the warmth and southern hospitality our happy little seaside town embodies.”
Coastal Living announced the results of its sixth annual America’s Happiest Seaside Town award on January 27, ranking the seaside towns that received the most votes from readers. The 2017 finalists were selected by Coastal Living editors based on past inclusion in magazines, as well as nominations garnered through social media. The criteria included the town’s rank on the Gallup-Healthways Well-Being Index, percentage of clear and sunny days, healthiness of beaches, commute times, walkability, crime ratings, standard of living and financial well-being of the locals, geographic diversity, and Coastal Living editors’ assessment of each town’s overall “coastal vibe.”
Coastal Living is the authority for those captivated by the coast and the ultimate resource for travel tips and destination guides for readers who live in or love the Atlantic, Pacific, and Gulf shores of North America.
The winning town will also be featured in the May 2017 print issue of Coastal Living, on newsstands nationwide on April 13, 2017. The full list is published exclusively online, at CoastalLiving.com.
About Amelia Island
Northeast Florida’s coastal treasure, Amelia Island is a barrier island rich in colorful history and breath-taking natural beauty. Amelia Island offers long, beautiful beaches, abundant wildlife, and pristine waters. Upscale resorts with world-class spas, championship golf and exclusive dining blend effortlessly with a captivating collection of bed and breakfast inns and historic districts. The island is home to Fernandina Beach, once a vibrant Victorian seaport village, and now a charming downtown district of eclectic shops, attractions and eateries. Forget the everyday getaway; come make memories on Amelia Island. For visitor information and online planning, visit www.ameliaisland.com.
About Coastal Living
A brand that celebrates life along the coast, Coastal Living (www.coastalliving.com) is the source of inspiration and information for people who live or dream of living a coastal lifestyle. Coastal Living launched in 1997 and serves a total audience of more than 4.8 million. Coastal Living is available on all tablets and is published by Time Inc., the largest magazine media company in the United States.